Dave Darling was named Three Rivers Lions Club’s Citizen of the Year at their annual awards banquet at Pepe Boudreaux’s Restaurant on June 25.

The Lion’s Club is a service organization designed to help the community through many projects.

Each year the Lions also present scholarships to worthy students of Three Rivers High School. This year’s scholarship recipients are Lacey McNeill, Angelica Sauceda and Brittany Shipman.

Darling has been a mainstay in the community. His level of services include being the Pastor of the Good Hope Baptist Church, and, most recently, he is credited with bringing the Haven of Rest mission to fruition.

His longtime friend, Jacky Stroleny, wrote a poem about him and his service.

The Lion of the Year award was presented to Evelyn Ballou for her work in the community and in the club.